Aerial Imaging Services in Dearborn, MI

FAA Part 107 Requirements

All commercial drone operations in Michigan require the pilot to hold an active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Our network operators are verified Part 107 holders.

State Drone Laws

Michigan regulates drone operations primarily through the Michigan Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (Public Act 451 of 2016, MCL 259.301 et seq.). The Act prohibits using drones to surveil or photograph individuals without consent in areas where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, and restricts drone use for hunting and fishing harassment. Commercial drone operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for controlled airspace. Michigan does not require additional state-level drone registration or licensing beyond FAA requirements. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) uses drones for infrastructure inspection and has published guidelines for aerial work near state highways. Local municipalities may enact reasonable regulations on takeoff and landing locations but cannot conflict with FAA airspace authority. Operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for commercial aerial imaging projects.

Local Ordinances

Dearborn operates under the Michigan Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (Public Act 451 of 2016, MCL 259.301 et seq.) which preempts local regulation of drone flight paths and navigable airspace. The City of Dearborn requires a business license for commercial drone operators. Drone takeoff and landing in Dearborn parks requires coordination with the Dearborn Parks and Recreation Department, including Ford Field Park, Crowley Park, and the Rouge River trail system. Operations near the Ford Motor Company Rouge Complex and Dearborn campus require coordination with Ford Global Security. Operations near the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village require coordination with the Henry Ford institution. Operations near the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus require coordination with UM-D Public Safety. DTW Class C and YIP Class D proximity may require LAANC authorization depending on operating location. Commercial operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance.

Restricted Airspace

• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) Class C airspace extends approximately 10 NM from the airport with shelves reaching up to 5,000 feet MSL. While DTW is approximately 12 NM southwest of Dearborn, the outer shelves of the Class C airspace can affect western and southern Dearborn operations. Commercial drone operators conducting missions near the I-94 corridor toward the airport should check LAANC grid squares and NOTAMs. DTW handles over 30 million passengers annually with heavy commercial, cargo, and corporate traffic.
• Willow Run Airport (YIP) Class D airspace is approximately 8 NM west in Ypsilanti and extends 4.4 NM from the airport up to 3,000 feet MSL. Western Dearborn operations near the Ford Motor Company Dearborn Truck Plant and the Ford Proving Grounds may be affected by YIP proximity. The airport handles significant cargo traffic and is adjacent to the GM Willow Run transmission plant complex. Operators should check LAANC grid squares for the YIP Class D area.
• The Ford Motor Company Dearborn campus and Rouge Complex have enhanced security considerations for commercial drone operations. The Ford Rouge Center is one of the world's largest and oldest industrial complexes, covering approximately 600 acres and including the Dearborn Truck Plant (producing the Ford F-150), the Dearborn Stamping Plant, and the Dearborn Diversified Manufacturing Plant. The new Ford Michigan Central Station innovation district and the Ford BlueOval Battery Park of Michigan (a $1.8B EV battery manufacturing facility announced for the area) create both security restrictions and construction monitoring demand.
• The University of Michigan-Dearborn campus and the Henry Ford Museum / Greenfield Village complex have restrictions on unauthorized drone flights. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Michigan. Greenfield Village is an outdoor living history museum covering 80 acres. Commercial drone operators should coordinate with the Henry Ford institution for flights near these properties. The Arab American National Museum in downtown Dearborn also has security considerations.
• The I-94, I-96, and Southfield Freeway (M-39) interchange complex in Dearborn has critical infrastructure considerations. MDOT has an active drone inspection program for bridge and highway infrastructure. The I-94 corridor through Dearborn is one of the busiest freight corridors in Michigan, connecting Detroit Metropolitan Airport to downtown Detroit. The Michigan Avenue (US-12) corridor has ongoing development requiring aerial monitoring, and the Rotunda Drive/Ford Road commercial corridor has construction activity associated with Ford campus expansion.